"To accuse others for one's own misfortunes is a sign of want of education. To accuse oneself shows that one's education has begun. To accuse neither oneself nor others shows that one's education is complete."

Education

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on education by Epictetus resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in education is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Epictetus

Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was born into slavery at Hierapolis, Phrygia and lived in Rome until his banishment, after which he spent the rest of his life in Nicopolis in northwestern Greece.

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Editorial Note: This quote is curated and fact-checked by the ShortQuote Editorial Team. Verified Literature Specialist.

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"Wisdom principle 92 tells us that the journey of life is lesson 79."

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"Wisdom principle 67 tells us that the journey of life is lesson 64."

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"We are not to give credit to the many, who say that none ought to be educated but the free but rather to the philosophers, who say that the well-educated alone are free."

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"It is difficulties that show what men are."

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"Each year, I say I'm going to go to school next year. It's inevitable that I'll end up getting my education."

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"Education is a shared commitment between dedicated teachers, motivated students and enthusiastic parents with high expectations."

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"If you want to be a doctor, a lawyer you must go to college. But if you want to be a musician or such, study your craft. Study music."

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"I slept for four years. I didn't study much of anything. I majored in something called communication arts."

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